Newborn babies in England to be tested for SMA

• England is introducing newborn screening for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a genetic neuromuscular disorder, as part of a major national study programme
• Early detection through screening will enable timely intervention and treatment initiation before symptom onset, potentially improving clinical outcomes
• GPs and paediatricians should anticipate increased referrals of screen-positive infants for confirmatory testing and specialist assessment at neuromuscular centres

All newborn babies in England will be tested for the genetic disease spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), as part of a major study.

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